
6.
On Absalom's return to Jerusalem, what attitude did David
take? What is said of Absalom's personal appearance? What experi-
ence resulted in the king's receiving Absalom? Verses 24-33.
NOTE.—"Absalom was permitted to return to Jerusalem, but not
to appear at court, or to meet his father. David had begun to see the
evil effects of his indulgence toward his children; and tenderly as he
loved this beautiful and gifted son, he felt it necessary, as a lesson
both to Absalom and to the people, that abhorrence for such a crime
should be manifested."—Id., p. 729.
7.
When Absalom was restored to favor, how did he win the peo-
ple's hearts? 2 Sam. 15:1-6.
NoTE.—"The influence of David's listlessness and irresolution ex-
tended to his subordinates; negligence and delay characterized the
administration of justice. Absalom artfully turned every cause of dis-
satisfaction to his own advantage. . . . Yet the king, blinded by affec-
tion for his son, suspected nothing."—Id., pp. 729, 730.
8.
What took place when Absalom went to Hebron? Verses 7-12.
9.
When news of Absalom's rebellion was brought to David, what
did he decide to do? Who accompanied him? Verses 13-23.
10.
Why did David command that the ark should be returned?
Verses 24-29.
11.
What was the manner of David's departure from Jerusalem?
In what manner were loyal men to help defeat the counsel of Ahitho-
phel? Verses 30-37.
NoTE.—"The defection of Ahithophel, the ablest and most wily of
political leaders, was prompted by revenge for the family disgrace
involved in the wrong to Bathsheba, who was his granddaughter. . . .
"
-
Upon reaching the top of the mount, the king bowed in prayer,
casting upon God the burden of his soul, and humbly supplicating
divine mercy. His prayer seemed to be at once answered. Hushai the
Archite, a wise and able counselor, who had proved himself a faithful
friend to David, now came to him with his robes rent, and with earth
upon his head, to cast in his fortunes with the dethroned and fugitive
king. David saw, as by a divine enlightenment, that this man, faithful
and true-hearted, was the one needed to serve the interests of the king
in the councils at the capital. At David's request, Hushai returned to
Jerusalem, to offer his services to Absalom, and defeat the crafty
counsel of Ahithophel."—Id., p. 735.
12.
What two contrasting events happened as David went on his
way? 2 Sam. 16:1-14.
NOTE.—"In David's prosperity, Shimei had not shown by word or
act that he was not a loyal subject. But in the affliction of the king,
this Benjamite revealed his true character. He had honored David
upon his throne, but he cursed him in his humiliation. Base and selfish,
he looked upon others as of the same character as himself, and, inspired
by Satan, he wreaked his hatred upon him whom God had chastened.
The Spirit that leads men to triumph over, to revile or distress, one
who is in affliction, is the spirit of Satan."--Id., p. 736.
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